the heart & science of philanthropy

Philanthropy has the power to ensure all people have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Seattle Foundation provides the expertise, network of partners and research that enables philanthropists to maximize their impact in meeting our community’s most critical needs. Every day, we convene, communicate with and catalyze our philanthropic partners, uniting passion and discipline to create lasting change. We call this intersection the heart and science of philanthropy.

Over $1 billion

Total amount Seattle Foundation has invested over the past 70 years to help make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all

1,200

Number of community philanthropists working with Seattle Foundation to create lasting change

12,112

Number of people experiencing homelessness in King County

Source: All Home: 2018 Count Us In Report

2160%

Difference in average income between Seattle's top 1% and the other 99%

Source: Economic Policy Institute: Income Inequality in the U.S. by state, metro area and county, June 16, 2016

Philanthropy is critical

Our region is prospering, yet many of our community members have been left behind in the rush of new opportunities and wealth. Philanthropy can help right this imbalance by ensuring that everyone in our community has the chance to thrive. Seattle Foundation guides philanthropists to make investments that directly address inequities and result in powerful change.

Profile in Philanthropy

"As we've gone through our journey in philanthropy, at each stage there have been partners, friends and colleagues who are thinking the same thing: how do you go from direct service to systems change, how you focus your giving to have more impact."

—Janet Levinger, Seattle Foundation philanthropist and trustee

Learn about how Janet and her husband Will used Seattle Foundation to make a bigger impact in our Heart & Science magazine.

Seattle Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. Charity Navigator has awarded Seattle Foundation four out of a possible four stars for good governance and adhering to best practices.